Brece Rupolt of Northern Marble & Granite meets with Bob to discuss the countertop template that needs to be made before cutting. Brece makes his template from a sheet of polystyrene plastic, which is flexible and can be rolled up for easy transport. He then stiffens empty spaces with steel yard sticks to continue the straight surface and measure the countertop. First he locates the sink opening and faucet holes. Walls are rarely square, so next he cuts to fit the walls. He takes the ruler and measures the difference from one end to the other and makes a cut to fit the wall. At the other end her marks on the bottom where the finished end will be and adds a radius at the corner to soften it up. Next Brece makes an opening for the under-counter double Kohler sink using a paper template. He cuts out the template on the cutting line with a utility knife and transfers the outline of the paper template to the plastic. Using his knife and a straight edge, he cuts out the opening for the sink. This is the traditional method of making a template. Next Bob meets with Paul Hansen of E-Template to discuss how a template can be made electronically. Paul places markers on each straight section of the tops of the cabinets to outline where the countertop will go. He also places other markers to identify special sink cutouts. Many times a sink or stovetop manufacturer will provide an electronic template to add to your custom e-template. Paul also uses a scale of a known length to help define the precision of the countertop. Then he takes two or more digital photographs from different angles. The photographs are downloaded into a computer aided design program to create a template and then cut by machine.

Bob meets up with Charlie Tomaszewski, the general contractor for the Medford renovation project, in the home's existing master bedroom. While awaiting the arrival of the demolition crew, Charlie and Bob carefully remove the old dressing room door with a full mirror so that it can be reused elsewhere in the finished house. The first step is to pull the pins on the hinges which Charlie will tape to the door so they don't get lost. To take the casings off, Charlie first cuts the paint line along the casing with a utility knife. This is particularly important if you plan to preserve the existing plaster wall. Next Charlie removes the decorative rosettes from the upper corners before he and Bob pull out the casing.

Carpet tiles, also known as carpet squares or modular carpeting, are easily installed side-by-side to create a smooth, carpeted floor that looks just like wall-to-wall carpeting.

Replacing torn or damaged screens in an aluminum or wooden window or door is an easy project.

…decision you will be happy with for many years to come. You know you can count on Sears to complete your home improvement project with high quality materials, workmanship and installation. And by calling Sears you know you don’t have to…

…decision you will be happy with for many years to come. You know you can count on Sears to complete your home improvement project with high quality materials, workmanship and installation. And by calling Sears you know you don’t have…

If you are looking to save some money on a home improvement project this year, consider starting with those old windows. A new federal tax credit can put 30% of what you spend on new energy…

…other than the bedrooms that anyone could go. Her home improvement project involved expanding the kitchen and family room and adding…
…inventory problems will delay your project. Any home improvement project, no matter the scale, is going to come with its own…

With patience and attention to detail, installing a new wooden floor can be an easy home improvement project. Step 1: Check the first course of flooring. If there is a heating register near the wall to work around, you will need…

…the project, your budget, and time frame if you want them to say yes. Anyone who has embarked upon a home improvement project has heard advice on how to select the right contractor. The emphasis is on finding an honest, competent…